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June 29, 2023
Welcome to the Louisville Accelerator: American Rescue Plan Newsletter! In this edition, we’ll be discussing how the city of Louisville is utilizing federal funds to support our community during these challenging times. Through this newsletter we will share ongoing projects that have been funded through the American Rescue Plan (ARP).
This issue will focus on the priority area of Homelessness and Affordable Housing. The ARP funds for this priority area have thus far been directed towards affordable housing and homelessness programs, down payment assistance, home repair initiatives, Louisville's Affordable Housing Trust Fund (LAHTF), and the creation of a safe outdoor space called The Hope Village.
The American Rescue Plan, which was signed into law in March 2021, provided $1.9 trillion in economic relief to individuals, businesses, and communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This included funding for homelessness prevention and assistance programs, as well as support for affordable housing initiatives. ARP funding plays a critical role in supporting Louisville’s ongoing efforts to recover from the economic and social impacts of the pandemic.
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Project Spotlight: The Hope Village
The Hope Village is a unique community that provides a safe haven for the homeless population. The idea for The Hope Village was inspired by the need for a more sustainable approach to addressing homelessness in Louisville. The Hope Village, initially known as the ‘Outdoor Safe Space,’ is a pilot project that received $1.5 million in ARP funds. April 27, 2023, marked the 1-year anniversary of The Hope Village opening for residents.
The Village is designed to be a supportive and inclusive community that fosters a sense of belonging and connection among residents. The Village has provided stable housing for over 60 residents and has helped many of them transition into more permanent housing. The Hope Village is an excellent example of how innovative solutions can be used to address complex social issues, such as homelessness.
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 Ice fishing tents at Hope Village safe outdoor space
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The Hope Village continues to be a valuable resource for homeless individuals in Louisville, providing a supportive and inclusive community where residents can access shelter and vital social services. Its innovative approach to addressing homelessness has made it a model for other communities across the United States, and it continues to play a critical role in the ongoing efforts to address this complex social issue.
The Hope Village is exploring transitioning to kiosk huts (donated by CVS), which were initially used for COVID-19 testing – these may be ideal to replace the existing ice fishing tents, as they have heating and air conditioning and are less likely to experience wear and tear as rapidly as tents.
If you would like to learn more about The Hope Village and what they're doing to help solve the homelessness crisis, click on the link below:
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Project Spotlight: Affordable Housing | The Eclipse |
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The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on affordable housing in Louisville. By increasing the availability of affordable housing, Louisville can provide a safety net to help prevent homelessness. An estimated 31,000 affordable housing units are needed for individuals earning 30% or lower of the area median income.
To combat this issue, the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund (LAHTF) received $40 million in federal ARP funds. This funding will assist developers in constructing affordable housing throughout the city. LAHTF, established by the Metro Council in 2006, plays a vital role in supporting affordable housing development. It provides technical assistance, secures grants and loans, and helps mitigate financial risks for builders and developers.
As part of the ARP funding allocation, LAHTF has designated $4 million for the construction of a new affordable housing development called The Eclipse. LDG Development is undertaking this project in the Russell neighborhood. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on February 14, 2023, and construction is expected to last for approximately one year, with new residents anticipated to move in by late 2024.
The Eclipse will offer various amenities, including business and fitness centers, meeting spaces, social gathering areas, and a total of 280 apartments. These units will consist of 84 one-bedroom, 112 two-bedroom, and 84 energy-efficient three-bedroom apartments. Residents of The Eclipse will have access to healthcare services, after-school activities, and paid career training through partnerships with Norton Healthcare and Jefferson Community & Technical College.
If you would like to learn more about The Eclipse and LDG Development, visit: https://www.ldgdevelopment.com or https://lou22housing.com
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 Artist rendering of The Eclipse
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You can learn more about affordable housing and whether you may qualify by visiting the Louisville Metropolitan Housing Coalition on YouTube |
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Contact the Louisville Accelerator Team:
745 W. Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 574-5280
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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